da winzada777： The legendary striker has been one of the great characters of the football world, but how often did he step over the line?

da brdice： Love him or loathe him, it's always been impossible to ignore Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Swedish superstar has just announced his retirement at the ripe old age of 41 – and it's a testament to both his incredible talent and strength of character that he managed to stay at the highest level for so long.

Indeed, while injuries took their toll in recent seasons, Ibrahimovic managed to remain a towering presence in the modern game.

Milan coach Stefano Pioli repeatedly hailed the striker for the transformative effect he had on the club from the moment he returned to San Siro in January 2020, eventually inspiring a relatively young squad to a surprise Serie A title triumph in 2021-22 with his leadership skills, impressive professionalism and winning mentality.

It obviously helps that Ibrahimovic is as charismatic as it comes. He has long held the attention of the football world as much for what he says off the field, as what he does on it, so it's hardly surprising that younger team-mates often hung on his every word.

Of course, it all felt part of an act, almost a parody of the stereotypical arrogant footballer, one cleverly and cynical constructed to build a lucrative brand. As Olivier Giroud revealed, Ibrahimovic the man is very different to his egotistical Zlatan persona.

“He is a nice person," the veteran French forward told the . "From the outside, he could seem focused on himself, but it’s not like this with those working with him every day."

Indeed, he once kicked Rodney Strasser in the head and yet the Sierra Leone international still insisted in an interview with the : "People think Ibra is a villain but he's a good guy, generous and nice."

However, there were plenty of fans and pundits who grew weary of Ibrahimovic's antics over the years, and there is certainly no denying that he occasionally stepped over the line.

Then again, his pithy put-downs and shocking outbursts are part of the reason why he was one of the most polarising and fascinating figures in football, as underlined by the selection of his most colourful and controversial quotes below…

GettyRejecting Wenger

Legendary Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was interested in signing a promising young forward by the name of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in2000. The player was offered a trial. Ibrahimovic turned it down.

AdvertisementGettyCutting Carew down to size

The giant Norwegian striker John Carew once openly wondered if Ibrahimovic's tricks and flicks were really necessary. The slight provoked a predictably short and savage reply.

GettyThreatening Van der Vaart

During their time together at at Ajax, Rafael van der Vaart suffered ankle ligament that he claimed was the result of a deliberate foul by Ibrahimovic. Zlatan disagreed with the Dutchman.

GettyHumiliating Henchoz

Ajax went up against Liverpool in a pre-season friendly in the summer of 2001. Ibrahimovic took Stephane Henchoz to the cleaners, first on the field, and then again off it.